5 best road trips from Muscat

1. Wadi Shab (2h south)

Hike through a turquoise canyon to a hidden cave waterfall. Sedan-friendly until the parking lot.

2. Jebel Akhdar (2.5h)

4x4 required above Birkat Al Mouz checkpoint. Cool air, dramatic terraces and rose villages.

3. Sur & Ras Al Jinz (3h)

Watch endangered green turtles nest at night. Stop in Sur for the dhow yards.

4. Nizwa & Misfat Al Abriyeen (1.5h)

Friday goat market, ancient fort, and a hanging mud-brick village in the mountains.

5. Wahiba Sands (3h)

Camp in the dunes. 4x4 only — let air out of the tires before going in.